www.sciedu.ca/jms Journal of Management and Strategy Vol. 3, No. 1; February 2012 Successful Growth Strategies of Three Chinese Domestic Hotel Companies Yu Qin, Ph.D., Associate Professor Head of Department of Hotel Management, School of Tourism Management, Beijing International Studies University, Beijing, China, 100024, PR China E-mail:
[email protected],
[email protected] Howard Adler, EdD. (Corresponding author) C.B. Smith Professor of Hotel Management Director, Center for the Study of Lodging Operations, Purdue University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Marriott Hall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906 Tel: +1-765-494-5998 E-mail:
[email protected] Liping A. Cai, Ph.D. Professor Director, Purdue Tourism and Hospitality Research Center, Purdue University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Marriott Hall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906 E-mail:
[email protected] Received: January 1, 2012 Accepted: February 2, 2012 Published: February 15, 2012 doi:10.5430/jms.v3n1p40 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5430/jms.v3n1p40 Abstract This paper explores the business level strategies implemented by the top three domestic Chinese lodging companies in the economy segment. Through interviews with the management of the three companies, the authors found the essential elements of their strategies were innovative positioning, keeping cost low, rapid expansion, continuous innovation, focus on quality consistency, extensive training and several indigenous Chinese cultural operational practices. Implications for future for research and practices are also discussed. Keywords: Business level strategy, Hotel growth strategies, Low cost strategy, China indigenous operational practice, China domestic hotel companies 1. Introduction Since the beginning of the new millennium, several Chinese domestic hotel companies, namely, Home Inn, Jinjiang Inn, Motel Chain and have achieved unprecedented growth and impressive performance.